Run by the founder of MedFriendly.com, the MedFriendly Medical Blog brings you up to date news, commentary, and perspectives on diverse healthcare topics, particularly those that are interesting or unusual. Click here for ADVERTISING information.

Friday, August 10, 2018

Smoking, in one form or another, is an activity that humans have enjoyed for thousands of years. In fact, smoking appears to date back to over 7000 years ago, when shamans used it during religious rituals to obtain an altered state of consciousness. Over time, people have been rather creative in the types of substances they have elected to smoke, the method of smoking, and the devices they use to smoke.

When most of us think of smoking, we think of tobacco cigarettes which were popularized by Europeans in the 16th century. As technology developed at the time to improve farming techniques and manufacturing, so did the availability of tobacco. As more and more people began to smoke, it became an accepted part of society. Most people had ashtrays in their homes as did most stores and public places. Smoking was a common activity in restaurants, while driving, at work, and at home. In addition, tobacco cigarette smoking was popularized in the movies and through advertisements with tough rugged male characters and beautiful supermodels.

The public tide against tobacco smoking began to turn in the 1960s, when evidence surfaced that the chemicals inside of tobacco could cause cancer and numerous other health problems when smoked. Health warning were issued on all tobacco cigarettes in 1965 and over time, tobacco smoking became increasingly stigmatized in society such that most restaurants and public places completely banned any form of tobacco smoking.

All of this left people searching for a healthier alternative to tobacco smoking. With increasing advances in technology, enter the world of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, which were invented in 2003. Also known as e-cigarettes, these devices allow one to simulate the feeling of smoking tobacco without actually consuming harmful tobacco products. The electronic aspect of the cigarette heats an internal liquid (known as e-liquid or e-juice) which creates a vapor that the user inhales (hence the name “vaping.”) The vapor can also be exhaled with creates a cool-looking effect that helps make e-cigarettes appealing.

The liquid inside of e-cigarettes often contains nicotine, but not always. Numerous flavors are available such as cherry cola and a wide variety of fruity flavors which is obviously much preferable to the stench of tobacco smoke. To date, no serious harmful side effects of vaping with e-cigarettes have been reported.